Background
The Powerful Means Initiative partners with communities and organizations to create solutions for the world's most vulnerable populations. In Northern Uganda, where the multidimensional poverty rate is estimated to be as high as 90%, PMI is working with St. Bakhita Vocational Training Center (SBVTC) to provide young women with education and support to help them succeed. A core goal of the partnership with SBVTC is to empower young women. Students receive work-study scholarships and collaborate with Notre Dame (ND) students throughout their one-year training program.
In the 2024 graduating class, students worked with ND students in an Innovation & Design Thinking class to identify community needs and develop business ideas. 24 of these graduates were chosen for the inaugural PMI Impact Incubator program. As part of their participation, they provided proof of a rental space for their business. The students and their parents signed an agreement committing to repay 50% of the value of their startup kit and to participate in regular training sessions.
3 Month Summary
The Powerful Means Initiative has made significant strides in the past three months in the launch and management of an Incubator, designed to empower the Innovation Scholars of Saint Bakhita Vocational Training Center post-graduation.
Key activities during this initial phase have focused on establishing the foundational elements of the incubator, including:
Selecting 24 students to participate, comprising 13 tailoring students, 9 hairdressing students and 2 catering students
Purchasing phones and vocation-specific startup kits
Launching the incubator with a five-day initial workshop, led by a local entrepreneur
Distributing the startup kits at the end of the initial workshop
Conducting two rounds of follow-up interviews, one in person and one over the phone.
These initial steps lay the groundwork for equipping Saint Bakhita graduates with the essential tools and resources to launch successful businesses, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities. We are on track to ensure that these alumni remain connected, engaged, and well-supported as they transition into entrepreneurship.